Solar Shades

I got them through Janovic Plaza, they do an "adequate" job. I have West facing windows and everyone said black out shades in the living room were not necessary. I wish I had gotten the black out shades! At the end of the day even with the shades down, the sun blares into the apt (I know doesnt sound like the worst problem) unless you are trying to watch TV or work on the computer.

Thanks!!!!

i got measurements done by m&n - it is $75 but it is reimbursed to you by theshadestore.com. using those measurements i ordered solar (5%) and blackout shades for the living room and bedroom respectively from theshadestore.com - then got m&n back to do the install ($150 but after watching them i easily could have done it myself). i'm pretty happy with the product and the service.

i chose to go this route after having a few other blinds companies come in to measure along with product samples, but they all pushed the same exact fabrics with some variance in price. overall i think the fabric available at the shadestore is much more diverse and you get a bit more quality for a similar total price.

I'm thinking about getting solar shades as well... does anyone know how well they block the view in at night? how would you do blackout shades with the solar shades?
Thanks!

solar shades will usually come in different levels of light blocking - 3%, 5%, 10% (with 10% being the one that lets the most light through).

i went with 5% in the living room and when it is sunny outside, you are still able to see out through the shade a little bit. it doesn't let much light in at all though - and at night, you can not see IN at all - perhaps you can make out some shadows but that's it (from the outside looking in). if there are privacy concerns then you can go with 3%.

i have complete blackout shades in the bedroom and no light comes through at all, nor can you see through it and obviously no one can see in at all either.

I recommend getting some swatches and put them up against your window first before you decide because every situation is different. the same shade against my window may not look exactly the same against yours due to different amount of sunlight that the house receives, etc.

Do you guys remember how much you paid per blind? I have floor to ceiling and shadestore is asking approx $450 per window!!! Is this normal??

how big are the windosw?

They are expensive, but the prices vary wildly depending on who you ask. We received quotes ranging between $2k and $5k for our apartment, all using identical materials and including installation, no remote controls or expensive features. In home estimates are free, I would suggest shopping around.

If you have a view they are the best option, but aren't perfect for west exposures at sunset.

approx 9 ft high ceiling X 36 w.

where did you get your quotes treetownal?

I remember meeting Horizon, maybe stylish windows, we went with New York City Blinds who came in at about half price. I have no real complaints. Some of the pieces in the rollnig mechanism are plastic, we will probably chose something more upscale next time, although doubtful I will get the remote controls.

My understanding is that we can reuse them if they can be resized for the windows. We have a few huge floor to celing shades that we suspect will work in the new apartment and enough blackout shares that they can be cut down and reused.

I'm just curious about whether this "blindsman" who keeps posting spam all over this message board constantly to the point where i get multiple emails a day from streeteasy with his comments... thinks that any of us would actually use the service of someone who so rudely continues to spam.

On that note...

Has anyone used the 3% shades and can comment on the visibility at night? And has anyone put blackout behind solar shades or something to that effect?

Thanks!

I sell Hunter Douglas Window Treatments and also other window products. I have been in the business for over 20yrs. I bring you the samples to choose from.(FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE)I carry Country Wood Blinds** Luminette Shades** Silhouettes Shades**,ALL NEW PIROUETTE SHADES**Pleated Shades** Duettes Honeycombs shades** Shutters** Verticals Blinds**Roller Shades**Solar Shades** etc.
I also do Fabric ,cornice,swags,drapes,top treatments ....

***We Repair Blinds & Shades ***
Visit our web site at www.yourhomestore.com

You will receive personalized service. I will measure and install the product for you.
If you would like, Call with your approximate sizes and I will give you free estimates over the phone.

***We Service Manhattan/Bklyn/Long Island and other areas ***

Please call me at (631)368-0420.....FOREVER BLINDS.......Thank you David

prple777

I got solar shades through the webretailer - Steve's Blinds.

I first got free samples, then used one of their installers to measure my windows - total cost $75
As for price, My largest window, 72 wide by 93 long, came to maybe $150. The narrower windows were around $100 each.

Once delivered, the guy who measured my windows came back to install them at a cost of $35 per window. I'm a pretty handy person but I'm glad I hired them to do it. Several areas around the window could not be penetrated by regular drill bits.

My overall cost for 4 floor to ceiling windows of varying widths, including measuring and installation, was approximately $750.

I bought My solar Shades from this guy David I found him on Craigs list,His prices were reasonable Better then some others Prices i got out there..
He came to my Apt with his samples Measured and in a week later i was installed..
I was going to do it myself but i wasn't to sure that i was able to (BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY)LOL
I went with the 5% ,3% didn't let as much light in as i wanted and the 10% was way to much
I think I pay $275.00 per window 60"x90" and i had 12 windows.....again he measured & Installed them

Is there a solar shade that lets in more than 10%? I have a gorgeous view -- just want to cut heat coming through big south-facing windows.

The shade store's solar shades have 3 varieties of light penetrating shades:
- 3% = Lets in 97% of light/UV
- 5% = Lets in 95% of light/UV
- 10% = Lets in 90% of light/UV

I first bought the 3% in white and black and it does nothing for blocking out the morning sun. Bought some muslin fabric as a backing for it and it works great now. Also, bought the 10% in white and it does a great job of blocking some sun light and privacy for my living room. Note, they were a rip-off though - I paid something like over $400 per shade/window.

Just about everyone makes shades of different colors that let in percentages of light. Janovick also carries this stuff.

my main concern is to keep the view and privacy at night....any ideas?

Try calling Day Light Window Treatments for a free onsite cost estimate... 917-405-8925 or 212-230-1601 you can ask for Gill
Good luck